There’s a rumour doing the rounds that an email was “accidentally” sent from BBC worldwide to employees confirming that series 8 will consist of 12 episodes (including the 2014 Christmas special) and feature a new Doctor.
The series is said to air in August 2014. Which, if true would mean Matt Smith is going at Christmas and a 15 month gap between series 7 and series 8.
A reduced episode run would make sense. The split was budgetary and hasn’t proved popular. Luther, Merlin and Being Human all had their episodes reduced in their hight of popularity.
An official announcement is being made by the BBC, at midnight.